Detoxing is oftentimes synonymous with dieting and weight loss. However, you must be aware that detoxing is VERY dangerous, so you must be overly careful. Frequently the largest dilemma of detoxing is the loss of detrimental nutrients. This can cause electrolyte imbalances which in turn cause feelings of dizziness, nausea, loss of energy and fatigue, low blood sugar, and muscle aches. Today we are tackling the disaster that many call detoxing.

First of all, many detox plans focus on fasting. This is normally a period of time where you don't eat anything, least of all solid food. You may be able to have clear liquids and juice, but that's it. The best way to explain why this is disastrous is brought to us by Kathleen Zelman MPH, RD of WebMd.com. She states “When you dramatically reduce your calorie intake, you will lose weight. But doing so can also cause all kinds of health problems, including muscle loss. And when you start fasting, your body goes into conservation mode, burning calories more slowly. Keep in mind that the initial weight lost on a fast is primarily fluid or "water weight" not fat. And when you go back to eating, any lost weight usually gets a return ticket. Not only do most people regain the lost weight from a fast, they tend to add a few extra pounds because a slower metabolism makes it easier to gain.”

If you are still interested in cleaning your body, the answer is easy. Drink lots of water, cut the processed foods, refined sugars, white flour, and saturated fats out of your diet. Eat food that is most natural and closest to the Earth. Stay away from artificial ingredients. Add fiber (psyllium is good) to your diet and keep your protein lean. Aim for a variety of beans, fruits, and vegetables daily. In addition, incorporate low-fat dairy and whole grains into your diet. Healthy fats from sources such as nuts and avocados are also beneficial. If cutting calories, stay within a calorie count of 1200 – 1500 calories per day. Also be sure to integrate scheduled physical activity into your day. For more information about this and all of our other blogs, please contact the Wayne County YMCA at (570) 253-2083 or visit us online at ymcawayne.com.